Hand Disinfection Research Articles

Community pharmacy services and preparedness during COVID-19 outbreak in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundWearing facial masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing are highly recommended preventive measures against COVID-19. Masks and disinfectants are usually sold in community pharmacies that are supposed to undertake extreme precautions to avoid cross infection among clients. It is also their responsibility to play a prominent role in educating the community regarding this outbreak. ObjectivesTo investigate the preparedness of private community pharmacies in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the COVID-19 outbreak with regard to safety measures, customer education, and quality of preventive aids sold by them. MethodsOne hundred pharmacies were visited by simulated clients. The availability of free hand disinfectants, masks, gloves, and customer educational aids as well as the measures employed to ensure maintenance of safe distances between customers were documented. The adherence of pharmacists and customers to safety precautions and the behavior of pharmacists against violators of regulations were also observed. Finally, the availability and quality of facial masks and hand disinfectants sold by these pharmacies was documented. ResultsFifty-five pharmacies offered free hand disinfectants but only in three of them all customers used them. Only two pharmacies offered free disposable masks and temperature screening was available in only one pharmacy. Educational aids were found in 31 pharmacies and only 53 pharmacies used visual indicators for social distancing. Violation of wearing masks by pharmacy personnel and customers was seen in 34 and 87 pharmacies, respectively. Social distancing was violated in 64 pharmacies and intervention by staff was seen in only three of them. Finally, facial masks were available for sale in only 35 pharmacies, and in 23 of these, the quality was questionable; hand disinfectants were available in 84 pharmacies, and in 14 of these, the quality was unknown. ConclusionsCommunity pharmacies in Madinah were short of registered, high-quality facial masks during the survey. Means to control the transmission of infection inside pharmacies were unsatisfactory. Society has shown poor compliance to preventive measures against COVID-19 infection and the role of community pharmacists in promoting compliance was found to be poor. The study reveals an unsatisfactory level of preparedness of Madinah community pharmacies for the pandemic.

The Use of Cyclodextrin or its Complexes as a Potential Treatment Against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus: A Mini-Review.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly since its discovery in December 2019 in the Chinese province of Hubei, reaching this day all the continents. This scourge is, unfortunately, in lineage with various dangerous outbreaks such as Ebola, Cholera, Spanish flu, American seasonal flu. Until today, the best solution for the moment remains prevention (Social distancing, hand disinfection, use of masks, partial or total sanitary containment, etc.); there is also the emergence of drug treatment (research and development, clinical trials, use on patients). Recent reviews emphasized the role of membrane lipids in the infectivity mechanism of SARS-COV-2. Cholesterol-rich parts of cell membranes serve as docking places of host cells for the viruses. Coronavirus 2 is a member of a virus family with lipid envelope that fuses with host cell through endocytosis, internalizing its components in the cell. In vitro cell models have shown that depletion of cholesterol by cyclodextrin, and particularly methyl beta cyclodextrin disturb the host cell membrane lipid composition this way, reducing the attachment of the virus to the protein receptors. This review aims to summarize the state of the art of research concerning the use of cyclodextrin or its complexes as a potential treatment against this new virus and update work already published.

Disinfection of gloved hands during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDisinfection of gloves can be used during a pandemic situation when performing various procedures on the same patient or when removing personal protective equipment. If performing glove disinfection, there is a need to check the compatibility of gloves with the disinfectant product used.AimTo test the resistance of nitrile gloves to various disinfectant solutions.MethodsOne hundred percent powder-free nitrile gloves, composed of nitrile butadiene rubber compounds, were exposed to various disinfectants to analyse resistance. The seven most commonly used disinfectant solutions in the healthcare field were selected for testing. The effects of each disinfectant were analysed in comparison with the control group (untreated glove). For tensile testing, the thickness of each test specimen was measured with a micrometer.FindingsBleach solution decreased the breaking load of gloves, although to a lesser extent than disinfectants that contained ethanol.ConclusionDisinfectants that contain alcohol decrease the breaking load of nitrile gloves.

Management of catheter ablation in arrhythmia patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic.

AimsHealth care providers have reduced outpatient services and delayed elective cardiac surgeries during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, while a large number of patients face more cardiovascular risks compared with those of the pandemic. The present study attempted to explore the management of catheter ablation in arrhythmia patients during the pandemic.Methods and resultsFrom 1 January 2020 to 24 March 2020, a total of 269 arrhythmia patients hospitalized for catheter ablation under strict risk assessments and careful infection prevention were retrospectively analysed and considered for our analysis at our centre. Preventive measured included a 14 day quarantine, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid detection, adoption of personal protection equipment, application of hand disinfectant, management of hospital visitors, and maintenance of environmental hygiene. Three patients who had fever following ablation and were finally excluded from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and no hospital infection occurred during the 3.1 ± 1.5 day hospitalization period. Additionally, 258/269 (95.9%) patients were free from arrhythmia after a median 133 day follow‐up (Q1, 81; Q3, 143; ending 1 June 2020), and no SARS‐CoV‐2 infections occurred at follow‐up.ConclusionsBy adopting strict risk assessments and careful infection prevention measures, catheter ablation in patients with arrhythmia can be safely and effectively performed during the COVID‐19 epidemic in well‐controlled areas.

Silica nanoparticles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) \u2013 a novel surrogate tracer for microbial transmission in healthcare

BackgroundThe increase in antimicrobial resistance is of worldwide concern. Surrogate tracers attempt to simulate microbial transmission by avoiding the infectious risks associated with live organisms. We evaluated silica nanoparticles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) as a new promising surrogate tracer in healthcare.MethodsSPED and Escherichia coli were used to implement three experiments in simulation rooms and a microbiology laboratory in 2017–2018. Experiment 1 investigated the transmission behaviour of SPED in a predefined simulated patient-care scenario. SPED marked with 3 different DNA sequences (SPED1-SPED3) were introduced at 3 different points of the consecutive 13 touch sites of a patient-care scenario that was repeated 3 times, resulting in a total of 288 values. Experiment 2 evaluated SPED behaviour following hand cleaning with water and soap and alcohol-based handrub. Experiment 3 compared transfer dynamics of SPED versus E. coli in a laboratory using a gloved finger touching two consecutive sites on a laminate surface after a first purposefully contaminated site.ResultsExperiment 1: SPED adhesiveness on bare skin after a hand-to-surface exposure was high, leading to a dissemination of SPED1–3 on all consecutive surface materials with a trend of decreasing recovery rates, also reflecting touching patterns in concordance with contaminated fingers versus palms. Experiment 2: Hand washing with soap and water resulted in a SPED reduction of 96%, whereas hand disinfection led to dispersal of SPED from the palm to the back of the hand. Experiment 3: SPED and E. coli concentration decreased in parallel with each transmission step – with SPED showing a trend for less reduction and variability.ConclusionsSPED represent a convenient and safe instrument to simulate pathogen spread by contact transmission simultaneously from an infinite number of sites. They can be further developed as a central asset for successful infection prevention in healthcare.

Reduction of Visitor- and Staff-Associated Risk of Infection by Complex Intervention in the Department of Feto-Maternal Medicine

Clinical trial registration of this trial: is to demonstrate in a department of feto-maternal medicine: (a) that a complex intervention improves hand hygiene of visitors, siblings and staff; and (b) that automated voice prompts at disinfectant dispensers improve rate of hand disinfection. (a) Pre-/post-test follow-up design with control (1-12/2016), intervention (1-12/2017), follow-up-period (1/2018-12/2019); and (b) RCT in quasi crossover design. Primary endpoints: (a) disinfectant consumption (DC) per patient-day, and (b) DC at disinfectant dispenser per passer-by. A multimodal strategy within the intervention period showed a relevant positive effect on hand hygiene compliance (in IP: 26.2% more DC; p=0.088). Voice prompts increased DC by 28.6% (p=0.025). The odds ratio for high positive fingertip testing plates of visiting children (siblings) between control and intervention period was 0.35 (95% CI [0.1074-0.9708] p=0.039). Complex intervention and electronic voice prompts on disinfectant dispensers improve hand hygiene behaviour in perinatology. Installation of disinfectant dispensers in a child-friendly position and adequate information material appeal to children. The data represent an important contribution to improve hand hygiene of visitors, siblings and staff in hospitals in a pandemic situation.

Evaluation of bactericidal and virucidal activity of novel disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 compared to other commercially available disinfectants against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Hand hygiene is the topmost crucial procedure to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Choosing an effective hand disinfectant is necessary in enforcing good hand hygiene practice especially in hospital settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Aaride AGT-1 as a hand disinfectant for the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms' transmission among both patients and personnel in the health care system compared to other commercially available disinfectants. In the present study, a new hand disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 was tested against several bacterial and viral pathogens to evaluate its antimicrobial activity profile. The results revealed that Aaride AGT-1 displayed the highest antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria including MRSA when compared to other commercially available hand sanitizers. Aaride AGT-1 showed the lowest percentage needed to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens. In addition, results obtained from time killing assay revealed that Aaride AGT-1 demonstrated the best killing kinetics, by eradicating the bacterial cells rapidly within 0.5 min with 6 log reduction (>99.99% killing). Also, Aaride AGT1 was able to reduce 100% plaque formed by three viruses namely HSV-1, HSV-2 and EV-71. In conclusion, Aaride AGT-1 is capable of killing wide-spectrum of pathogens including bacteria and viruses compared to other common disinfectants used in hospital settings. Aaride AGT-1's ability to kill both bacteria and viruses contributes as valuable addition to the hand disinfection portfolio.

Both soap and ozone more effective and better tolerated than alcohol hand disinfection?

Abstract Background Preventing the transfer of virulent microorganisms is an essential part of infection control programs and clinical practice. Hand disinfection using alcohol from dispensers has become a standard practice worldwide; however, consequent skin irritation is frequently reported. Thus, alternative methods for hand sanitization are needed. Objectives We used a modified European Standard procedure (EN 1500:2013) with the aim of comparing the efficiency of alcohol, ozonated water and soap for eradicating transient Escherichia coli from artificially contaminated hands. Methods We applied a crossover design for testing alcohol and ozone (20 participants/product; 40 participants in total). The participants were mostly nursing students. We have merged the results from two separate crossover studies with altogether 35 participants, and also included 20 non-crossover participants for soap washing. Results Both ozonated tap water and soap & water were more effective than alcohol disinfection; and washing hands with soap the most effective. In some participants, disinfection with alcohol seemed to fail at eradicating transient E. coli from the hands, particularly from one side. The pre-test CFU/mL values were ≥30,000 in 52 of 55 participants. After disinfection of both the hands with 85% alcohol, 0.8 ppm ozonated tap water and soap & water, the mean/median (range) values were 2330/300 (14,000), 538/250 (3450) and 98/50 (450), respectively. The majority of the participants (66%) stated that they would prefer using ozonated tap water if the disinfection effect was the same as that of other agents. Conclusions We hypothesize that hand disinfection with alcohol is more difficult, and that the flow rate of water may play a pivotal role in eradicating microorganisms in addition to the choice of disinfectant. Ozonated tap water had no adverse effects on the skin and was preferred by most participants. Key messages Ozonized water as hand disinfection. Alcohol hand disinfection problems.

Are Disinfectants for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Safe?

Are Disinfectants for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Safe?

Toxicological aspects of increased use of surface and hand disinfectants in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a preliminary report.

All COVID-19 prevention strategies include regular use of surface disinfectants and hand sanitisers. As these measures took hold in Croatia, the Croatian Poison Control Centre started receiving phone calls from the general public and healthcare workers, which prompted us to investigate whether the risk of suspected/symptomatic poisonings with disinfectants and sanitisers really increased. To that end we compared their frequency and characteristics in the first half of 2019 and 2020. Cases of exposures to disinfectants doubled in the first half of 2020 (41 vs 21 cases in 2019), and exposure to sanitisers increased about nine times (46 vs 5 cases in 2019). In 2020, the most common ingredients of disinfectants and sanitisers involved in poisoning incidents were hypochlorite/glutaraldehyde, and ethanol/isopropyl alcohol, respectively. Exposures to disinfectants were recorded mostly in adults (56 %) as accidental (78 %) through ingestion or inhalation (86 %). Fortunately, most callers were asymptomatic (people called for advice because they were concerned), but nearly half reported mild gastrointestinal or respiratory irritation, and in one case severe symptoms were reported (gastrointestinal corrosive injury). Reports of exposure to hand sanitisers highlighted preschool children as the most vulnerable group. Accidental exposure through ingestion dominated, but, again, only mild symptoms (gastrointestinal or eye irritation) developed in one third of the cases. These preliminary findings, however limited, confirm that increased availability and use of disinfectants and sanitisers significantly increased the risk of poisoning, particularly in preschool children through accidental ingestion of hand sanitisers. We therefore believe that epidemiological recommendations for COVID-19 prevention should include warnings informing the general public of the risks of poisoning with surface and hand disinfectants in particular.

When, how, and how long do adults in Germany self-reportedly wash their hands? Compliance indices based on handwashing frequency, technique, and duration from a cross-sectional representative survey.

BackgroundHand hygiene is an efficacious behaviour to prevent community-associated infections. Estimates of the proportion of populations who wash their hands have indicated limited compliance. While biases of self-report items for hand hygiene, such as the tendency to overestimate one's behaviour, represent a limitation, direct survey questions remain important. This study aims to compare indices of handwashing compliance based on single vs. combined handwashing attributes, i.e., its frequency, technique, and duration.MethodsData of a representative survey on hygiene and infection control by the German Federal Centre for Health Education were analysed. In a cross-sectional, computer-assisted telephone interview design, the resident population in Germany aged 16–85 years was surveyed in 2012. For handwashing, duration, frequency in different situations, and technique (use of soap, washing interdigital spaces, and drying hands) were self-reported. Self-reports were rated as (non-)compliant based on national recommendations and combined into single- and multi-attribute indices. Use of hand disinfectants, recall of handwashing instruction plates in public restrooms, and socio-demographics were also assessed. In total, N = 4483 persons participated (response rate: 49.7%). Data were weighted to compensate for sampling bias and analysed by cross-tabulation and multiple logistic regression. Primarily due to missing data, the analysis was confined to N = 4093 respondents (i.e., 91%).ResultsAmong women, the proportion of those who reported to wash hands “almost always” in at least seven of nine situations was 30.8% (men: 20.3%). In contrast, 51% of men reported always using soap, drying hands, and washing interdigital spaces (women: 43.5%; p < 0.001). Compliance based on indices that included “frequency” was higher in women by 5.2% for “frequency + technique” (17.6% vs. 12.4%), and 2.5% for “frequency + duration” (13.1% vs. 10.6%) and “frequency + duration + technique” (8.8% vs. 6.3%; p < 0.02). Socio-demographic differences were most consistent regarding higher compliance among healthcare workers. Finally, especially men recalling handwashing instruction plates in public restrooms had higher compliance than those with no recall, namely, for “frequency + technique” (15.4% vs. 10.6%; OR: 1.9), all three attributes (7.6% vs. 5.3%; OR = 1.7), and “technique” (56.9% vs. 47.7%; OR = 1.6). The highest odds ratio was noted for disinfectant use among men (OR = 2.5; 12.2% vs. 4.9%).DiscussionWhile being representative for Germany, limitations include the survey's cross-sectionality, response rate, and the study representing the situation in 2012. Nonetheless, indices based on combined attributes allow better comparison to scarce compliance estimates for Germany based on observation. Socio-demographic differences add to existing evidence, e.g., higher compliance by healthcare workers. Finally, although reverse causation is possible, it is notable that although handwashing instruction plates in public restrooms focus on duration and technique, women recalling them reported higher frequency, and men more often report hand disinfectant use, suggesting possible carry-over effects.ConclusionSelf-reported handwashing compliance assessment may be improved by partitioning the behavioural domain into different attributes and using indices based on combinations of these.

Scrub sink contamination and transmission to operating room personnel.

Multiple studies have established the contamination of hospital sinks and transmission to hospital personnel. Few studies have assessed the contamination and transmission of microorganisms from the faucets of operating bay scrub sinks to operating room (OR) personnel, a potential route of infection for patients. This study aimed to investigate if there was pathogenic contamination of scrub sinks and possible transmission of those pathogens to the hands of OR personnel after preoperative hand disinfection. Swabs were taken from the hands of 50 OR personnel and from the faucets of 24 scrubs sinks at two different hospital sites, and were cultured. Hands were swabbed after completing a surgical hand scrub. Results were reported in colony-forming units per millilitre. There was significant scrub sink contamination with primarily Gram-negative organisms, such as Delftia acidovorans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. There was no overlap in bacterial species between the cultures from hands and scrub sinks. Cultures from the sinks and the hands of the OR personnel from one site had significantly higher bacterial growth compared with the other site (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0118, respectively). The data showed significant contamination on the faucets of operating bay scrub sinks. However, there was no observed transmission of pathogens from the scrub sinks to OR personnel, shown by the lack of overlap in bacterial species. Routine hygienic maintenance of scrub sinks is recommended.

Approximation of alcohol-based hand sanitizer volume using a toothpaste cap.

Physicians and the general public may be underusing alcohol-based hand sanitizers based on the false perception that they are damaging to the skin. We describe the use of a screw-top toothpaste cap to approximate the necessary volume of alcohol-based sanitizer for adequate hand disinfection.

Hygiene – gold standard not only in prevention of COVID-19 infection

Barbara Nieradko-Iwanicka was born in Kraśnik and is currently associated with the Lublin medical community. She is a specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology and a professor at the Medical University of Lublin working as an assistant professor at the Chair and Department of Hygiene. Her doctoral dissertation was entitled “The effect of the combined action of plant protection products and experimental brain hypoxia on memory processes in mice” and her habilitation thesis concerned “The effect of synthetic pyrethroids administered long-term to mice after transient cerebral ischemia on their behavior, parameters of oxidative stress and the functions of selected internal organs”. She is an academic teacher, a supervisor of doctoral and master’s theses and a popularizer of science.

Rethinking Personal Protective Precautions with COVID-19 (Corona-Virus-Disease)

Halk sağlığının ana kavramlarından biri olan “korumak tedaviden hem üstün hem de ucuzdur” ilkesi, Koronavirüs (COVİD-19) sonrası yeni dünya sağlık politikaları açısından adından sıkça söz ettirecektir. Zira devletlerin ülke sağlık politikalarında koruyucu önlem politikalarını yerine getirmemiş olmaları, COVİD-19 sonrası Avrupa örneğinde olduğu gibi ilk 3 haftada yüksek yıkıcı sonuçlara yol açmıştır (sağlık personelinin maskeye-koruyucu malzemelere ulaşamaması, sağlıklı bireylerin yeterli maskeye ulaşamamış olmaları, hastaların yeterli sağlık hizmetlerini bulamaması). Koruyucu önlemlere yönelik tedbirlerin alınmamış olması tek başına tedavi edici sağlık hizmetlerinin, COVİD-19 gibi şiddetli-yıkıcı-yayılmacı salgın hastalıklar anında işe yaramayacağını ortaya koymaktadır. Zira salgının ilk dalgasında görüldü ki kişisel koruyucu önlemlere sahip olmayan dünya nüfusu, kısa süre içerisinde semptomatik veya presemptomatik olarak hastalığa sahip olma ve hastalığı yayma konusunda ilki hayvandan insana geçme durumundan daha sonra başlı başına tamamen hastalığın konakçısı oluverdiler. COVİD-19’ un gelecek yüzyılda alışılagelmiş koruyucu önlemlerin (kişisel ve çevresel) önemini daha fazla genişleteceği aşikardır. Bu durum bundan sonra insan yoğunluğunun fazla bulunduğu yerlerde maske kullanımının normal kabul edileceği, taşınabilir el dezenfektanlarının kullanılacağı, daha önce alışılagelen sabun ile ellerin sık sık yıkanması kişisel koruma önlemleri vb. pek çok örneklerin çok güçlü davranış değişikliklerine yol açacağını ortaya koymaktadır. Hükümetlerin COVİD-19 sonrası koruyucu sağlık önlemleri konusunda politika değişikliğine giderek, ilkokullardan başlayarak tüm nüfusu etkisi altına alacak kalıcı tedbirleri almaları gerekmektedir.

Nivel de conocimientos de higiene de manos en enfermeras y médicos de tres hospitales nacionales del seguro social de salud, 2018

Introducción: Las manos de los trabajadores de la salud son los más frecuentes medios portadores de los microorganismos responsables de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos de lavado de manos de tres hospitales nacionales del seguro social de salud en Lima metropolitana, 2018. Material y Métodos: Durante abril-agosto 2018, entrevistamos a enfermeras y médicos de tres hospitales nacionales con un cuestionario administrado en tres secciones y evaluado en escala vigesimal: generalidades, razones de la higiene de manos durante atención en salud y situaciones para realizar la higiene de manos. Resultados: La mediana del nivel de conocimientos de enfermeras y médicos sobre higiene de manos fue de 13,41. El nivel de conocimientos es diferente entre enfermeras y médicos 13,3 vs. 13,6). Asimismo, se encontraron menor frecuencia de acierto en los ítems: desinfección de manos dura 20 a 30 segundos 54,1%, n=276), desinfección de manos tiene 8 pasos 52,9%, n=270), eliminar los microorganismos transitorios de la piel 47,1%, n=240), cuando existe un diagnóstico infeccioso 34,7%, n=177). Conclusión: El nivel de conocimientos de las enfermeras y médicos fue bajo y existe diferencia entre subgrupos profesionales. Se recomienda implementar entrenamientos continuos siguiendo las estrategias multimodulares de la OMS.

Hand disinfectants and surgical site infections: A narrative review

Surgical site infection is one of the most common health-related infections, which can cause problems for health care providers by increasing morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, and costs. Undoubtedly, one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to fight infection is to prevent it. An essential measure in infection control is the disinfection of the surgical team members to remove fat and contamination, eliminate transient microorganisms, and prevent the growth and proliferation of resident microorganisms on the skin. This study aimed to introduce different types of soap and alcohol disinfectant solutions for surgical scrub and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each by reviewing several recent research studies. This study is a brief overview of the recently conducted articles as searched in library resources, the Google Scholar Search Engine, Pubmed, UpToDate, Cochran, and Scopus databases using the English keywords of "hand hygiene", "infection control", "hand disinfection/methods", "hand disinfection/standards", and "Surgical Procedures, Operative" as well as the Persian keywords of "surgical scrub", "Povidone-iodine", "alcohol", and "hand disinfection". After reviewing 76 articles and eliminating the duplicate sources, 43 studies published from 2007 to 2019 were fully reviewed. Finally, 26 sources were selected as eligible with substantial relevance to the subject matter and subsequently reviewed. Based on the review of articles, it can be concluded that alcoholic solutions are often effective alternatives to soap scrub solutions due to their high disinfecting properties, safety, rapid effectiveness, and greater compliance with instructions.

Anti-Acanthamoeba disinfection: hands, surfaces and wounds

Acanthamoebae are facultative parasites causing rare but serious infections such as keratitis and encephalitis and are also known as vectors for several bacterial pathogens, including legionellae and pseudomonads. Acanthamoeba cysts are particularly resilient and enable the amoebae to withstand desiccation and to resist disinfection and therapy. While the search for new therapeutic options has been intensified in the past years, hand and surface disinfectants as well as topical antiseptics for preventing infections have not been studied in detail to date. The aim of this study was to screen well-known and commonly used antimicrobial products in various formulations and different concentrations for their efficacy against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, including aliphatic alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), peracetic acid (PAA), potassium peroxymonosulfate sulfate (PPMS) and octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT). Of all products tested, OCT and QACs showed the highest efficacy, totally eradicating both trophozoites and cysts within 1 min. The determined 50% effective concentration (EC50) for cysts was 0.196 mg/mL for OCT and 0.119 mg/mL for QACs after 1 min of exposure. PAA and PPMS showed reliable cysticidal efficacies only with prolonged incubation times of 30 min and 60 min, respectively. Aliphatic alcohols generally had limited efficacy, and only against trophozoites. In conclusion, OCT and QACs are potent actives against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts at concentrations used in commercially available products, within contact times suitable for surface and hand disinfection as well as topical antisepsis.

Design of Automatic Hand Sanitizer System Compatible with Various Containers.

ObjectivesDemand for hand sanitizers has surged since the coronavirus broke out and spread around the world. Hand sanitizers are usually applied by squirting the sanitizer liquid when one presses a pump with one’s hand. This causes many people to come into contact with the pump handle, which increases the risk of viral transmission. Some hand sanitizers on the market are automatically pumped. However, because sanitizer containers and pump devices are designed to be compatible only between products produced by the same manufacturer, consumers must also repurchase the container for the liquid if they replace the hand sanitizer. Therefore, this paper suggests the design of an automatic hand sanitizer system compatible with various sanitizer containers.MethodsAn automatic hand sanitizer system was designed, which will be presented in two stages describing the instrument structure and control parts. This work focused on using the elasticity of pumps and improving people’s access to devices.ResultsWe have designed an automatic hand sanitizer system that is compatible with various containers. When one moves one’s hand close to the device sensor, the hand sanitizer container is pumped once.ConclusionsThe automatic hand sanitizer device proposed in this paper is ultimately expected to contribute to contactless hand disinfection in public places and virus infection prevention. Additionally, it is economical and eco-friendly by decreasing waste emissions.

A Needs-Assessment Survey of Healthcare Professionals Accountable for Infection Prevention and Control in Hemodialysis Setting

<h3>Background</h3> Little is known about the challenges of infection prevention and control (IPC) program implementation in hemodialysis settings. A survey was conducted to study these challenges and the resources needed to overcome them. <h3>Methods</h3> Outpatient hemodialysis centers (OHC) and hospitals with hemodialysis units were invited to send healthcare professionals (HCPs) accountable for IPC to attend an IPC training program. All attendees were asked to complete an anonymous 11-question IPC program needs-assessment survey during the training. Qualitative and descriptive analyses were used to study the results. <h3>Results</h3> Out of 32 HCPs who responded to the survey, a majority (n=24, 75%) reported working in OHC. Half of the respondents (50%) identified their primary job roles as RN/LPN involved in patient care, 10 (31.3%) as nurse managers/other leadership positions and only 7 (21.9%) as infection preventionists. Many (68.8%) reported >10-year experience. They identified issues related to hand hygiene (66.7%), bloodstream infection (BSI) prevention (38.9%), and cleaning and disinfection (38.9%) as top 3 IPC concerns at their facilities. The top 3 barriers to implementing IPC practices were: high volume of patients/ time constraints (72.4%), lack of staff understanding/motivation/compliance (69%); and lack of patient engagement (34.5%). Educational webinars (68.8%), conferences (68.8%), and having IPC experts available via phone or video-conferencing (53.1%) were reported as potentially helpful in developing and improving IPC programs. Top educational needs identified were hand hygiene (40.6%), preventing BSI (25%), and cleaning and disinfection (21.9%). The preferred methods for receiving educational updates on IPC-related topics were e-mails (87.5%), conferences (78.1%), and webinars (43.8%). <h3>Conclusions</h3> HCPs accountable for IPC in hemodialysis settings usually have other primary job roles. Several barriers were reported in program implementation, which will require significant time commitment to mitigate. Professional organizations and other stakeholders should advocate for protected IPC time for these HCPs, and support IPC program improvement efforts.